Community Wins

Making Our Parks More Fun and Vibrant with More Food Options

I successfully pushed the City to move forward with a plan to expand food and beverage options in Toronto parks, helping make our public spaces more vibrant and community-oriented. The strategy includes creating more opportunities for local and diverse vendors, reviewing existing contracts, and ensuring supports like waste management and public washrooms are considered. I also introduced a motion to pilot park kiosks in Toronto–St. Paul’s, inspired by successful models in cities like New York, to create welcoming gathering spaces where residents can enjoy food, coffee, and community in our parks.

Protecting Our Waterfront: Doug Ford’s Attack on Toronto’s Autonomy

Doug Ford’s plan to bring jets to Billy Bishop Airport could significantly reshape Toronto’s waterfront, including potential expropriation of Little Norway Park and parts of the Toronto Islands for expansion. New details point to major impacts, including 10 million annual passengers, up to 400% traffic increases at Bathurst and Lakeshore, reduced housing capacity in the Port Lands, and a projected cost of up to $5 billion, alongside serious questions about economic benefits and public health impacts from increased emissions. In response, I successfully moved a motion requiring Toronto Public Health to update its study on the health impacts of jets, and I will continue pushing for transparency, evidence-based decision-making, and meaningful public consultation.

Protecting Renters with a Maximum Temperature By-law

Since first introducing a motion in 2012 to establish a maximum indoor temperature standard for rental housing, I have continued pushing the City to act as summers become hotter and more dangerous for tenants, especially seniors. After yet another delay from staff, I introduced an amendment requiring a by-law framework to be brought forward next month, including options to prevent costs from being passed on to tenants through above-guideline rent increases. I will continue fighting to ensure the City finally takes action to protect renters from unsafe indoor heat.

Fighting for a Safe and Reliable TTC

Following multiple major TTC service disruptions this spring caused by infrastructure failures and aging equipment, I moved a motion at the TTC Board demanding an urgent action plan to reduce delays and improve reliability. Infrastructure-related failures are now one of the leading causes of service interruptions, highlighting the consequences of delayed capital investment over many years. Toronto residents deserve a transit system they can rely on to get to work, school, and appointments on time, and I am pushing for the investments and maintenance needed to restore confidence in the TTC.

Beautifying and Animating Vacant Development Sites: Saving Pickleball at Yonge-Rosehill

As more approved development sites across Toronto sit vacant due to the stalled condo market, I am advocating for interim community uses like public courts, markets, and pop-up programming that keep neighbourhoods vibrant and safe. A successful example is the public racket courts at Yonge and Rosehill, which are now at risk because the Province’s property assessment system reclassified the site as commercial, triggering a major tax increase. I introduced a motion directing City staff to explore policy solutions that support interim uses and to urgently work with the Province and MPAC to protect the Yonge-Rosehill courts so the space can continue serving thousands of local residents.

Creating the Tenant Issues Committee to Give Renters a Voice

From 2014 to 2018, I helped establish and lead the Tenant Issues Committee - a dedicated space at City Hall where tenants could directly shape the policies that impact their lives. With over 50% of Toronto residents living in rental housing, this committee ensured renters had a seat at the table. It advised City Council on everything from rent increases, property standards, and tenant advocacy funding, to key housing policies like Tower Renewal and the Tenant Defence Fund. The committee was a critical step in making sure Toronto’s housing decisions reflect the real needs of its renters.

Curbing Auto Theft and Improving Neighbourhood Safety

Auto theft and home invasions have surged, putting many residents on edge. In response, I’ve worked closely with Toronto Police and moved a successful motion at City Council urging federal and provincial governments to adopt stronger vehicle security standards and close loopholes that enable vehicle registration fraud. I'm also collaborating with the Insurance Bureau of Canada to push for policy reforms to reduce costs for everyday Ontarians. While there’s been progress, more work is needed - and I’m committed to getting it done.

Creating a “Beautiful City”

I introduced a motion to prioritize thoughtful and beautiful urban design across Toronto. With support from Chief Planner Jason Thorne, a city-wide action plan is now in motion to improve everything from public libraries and parks to street furniture and sidewalks. 

The initiative challenges the current culture of mediocrity in urban design and seeks to create a city that is functional, inspiring, and dignified. Our public realm can be so much better – and Torontonians deserve that.

Save the Science Centre: Rally & Stakeholder Action

Since the beginning, I have been at the forefront of efforts to save the Ontario Science Centre from closure and relocation. In February 2025, I organized community members, families, and advocates for a rally in Thorncliffe Park, calling on provincial candidates to commit to reopening and reinvesting in the original site. 

The Auditor General has confirmed that rebuilding the Science Centre at Ontario Place would cost more than restoring it where it is - a clear waste of taxpayer dollars. I am continuing to lead a stakeholder working group at City Hall to explore real solutions to protect this cultural and educational landmark.

Save Our School Pools

Toronto’s school pools are once again under threat due to chronic underfunding by the Province. I co-led a motion at City Council with Councillor Rachel Chernos Lin calling on the Ontario government to protect these essential facilities. Pools provide children with vital swimming skills and offer accessible recreation for residents of all ages. Our communities shouldn’t have to fight every few years to protect something so important—so we’re taking action

You can sign my Save our Pools petition to call on your MPP: https://www.joshmatlow.ca/saveourpools